Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Bracelets
20th Century Link Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Link Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Bracelets
Gilt Metal
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Beaded Bracelets
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Silver
Early 2000s German Modern Modern Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Beaded Bracelets
Pearl
20th Century American Neoclassical Collectible Jewelry
Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Silver
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl
2010s Cuff Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Silver Plate
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver, Silver Plate
2010s American Contemporary Link Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Gold, Gold Plate
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Freshwater Pearl, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Link Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Coral, Freshwater Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Contemporary Bangles
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Link Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Retro Bracelets
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Freshwater Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Artist Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Link Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Retro Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Bracelets
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Pearl, Vermeil
Antique 1880s Austrian High Victorian Brooches
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s British Modern Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Modern Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s Beaded Bracelets
Pearl
Vintage 1970s North American Retro Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Bangles
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Bangles
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Art Nouveau Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl
2010s Indian Art Nouveau Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Jade, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Opal, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Black Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Spinel, Gold-filled
2010s American Romantic Anklets
Pearl, Black Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Spinel, Gold-filled
2010s American Romantic Anklets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tanzanite, Gold-filled
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled
2010s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tanzanite, Gold-filled
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl
2010s Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire
- 1
Freshwater Pearl Bracelet For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Freshwater Pearl Bracelet?
The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
Finding the Right Bracelets for You
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.
- Are there freshwater pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, there are freshwater pearls. Certain species of pearl-producing mollusks do live in bodies of freshwater. Among them are Hyriopsis cumingi and Hyriopsis schlegeli. Most freshwater pearls come from the United States and Japan. Shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are freshwater pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, freshwater pearls are real. They come from mussels that are naturally found in lakes and rivers. However, it is rare to find naturally occurring pearls of any kind. As a result, most of the freshwater pearls used in jewelry are cultured. The term refers to pearls created by freshwater-dwelling mussels with the assistance of human intervention. Pearls produced with this process are real, but they are not natural. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of pearl jewelry.
- Are mabé pearls freshwater?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mabé pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can be grown in saltwater. This makes them more budget-friendly than other pearls because they’re more readily available and grow in clusters. Find a large collection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Round freshwater pearls look very similar to Akoya pearls but are less expensive. A necklace can range from $50 to $2000.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023The rarest color of freshwater pearls is arguably lavender. Pearls that feature the color naturally are much less common than ones that are white, silver, cream or rose. Pink and peach freshwater pearls are also less likely to occur naturally. Explore a wide range of freshwater pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell if a pearl bracelet is real, consider its appearance and feel. Whether uncultured or cultured, real pearls are naturally derived from mollusks. No two are ever completely identical in shape, color and size. As a result, a real pearl bracelet will show off small variations from pearl to pearl. In addition, genuine pearls have a slightly rough or gritty texture. A bracelet with perfectly smooth and uniform pearls is unlikely to be real. If you'd like an expert opinion on your bracelet, take it to an experienced jeweler or certified appraiser. Explore an assortment of pearl bracelets on 1stDibs.
Read More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
This Chic Abstract Bracelet Is by the Father of Modernist Jewelry
Mid-20th-century designer Andrew Grima upended tradition with his avant-garde aesthetic.
Sparkling Tennis Bracelets Continue to Score Style Points
As elegant as they are versatile, these jewels have become chic staples.
5 Fresh Jewelry Trends That Will Bring You Joy This Spring
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The Captivating History of the Cartier Love Bracelet
The decades-old design is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Tastemaker Bunny Mellon’s Extraordinary Schlumberger Jewels
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.